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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

California Dressage Society Rosettes

3/2/2018

 
I've written about my USDF Group Member Organization, the California Dressage Society (CDS), so many times that by now, even if you only drop in occasionally, you know all about them. But really and truly, it's a great GMO. While I have earned the first two Rider Performance Awards from USDF and have my sights set on someday earning my bronze and beyond, CDS offers so many incentive programs that I don't feel the need to join USDF as a participating member.
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I look forward to receiving this small note every winter.
Last week, I received my plate showing how many Rosettes Speedy and I earned last year. CDS offers a trophy to the rider who earns the highest number of scores at 60% and above on a single horse. This year's recipient earned 14 or 15 scores (I can't remember which). We were really close this year with 13. 
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All of our scores were over 60%.
I was excited to attach this plate to my plaque, but as I pulled it down off the wall, I gave a deep sigh. In six seasons, we've only moved through three levels. And, and to be even less discouraged, I am counting our time at Intro. We have got to be the slowest moving team of all time.
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That's a lot of good scores, but ...
There are many reasons why we haven't moved more quickly. When we were prepared to move to Training Level, the tests were redone which put the canter work down to Intro so we spent an extra year down there. There have also been several seasons where Speedy was lame or injured (I am looking at you, 2016) which meant that we weren't ready to move up, so we repeated a level. 
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Plenty of room!
This year, we're showing at Second Level. I am hoping that somewhere in the season we can eke out at least one score of 60%. It would take a ton of pressure off if we could do it at this first show in March. I am not holding my breath for that particular miracle though.

The good thing is that the plaque has room for plenty of plates. It's a good thing too, because I might be stuck at Second for just as long as I was at Training and First. The next three plates might easily all read Level 2 - 1 Rosette.

Let's hope not.
Suzy link
3/2/2018 04:01:50 pm

You're not alone. I'm starting my second year at training level (and generally just below 60% at rated shows). And after jumping for over 3 years I'm still not really comfortable over 2'. I know we've made a lot of progress, but it doesn't really look like it based on our show record!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/2/2018 04:38:22 pm

It's so funny, but when other people lament their forward progress, I can easily see that the journey is a long one with no requirement to be at a certain place by a certain date. Your progress seems perfectly reasonable to me, and not slow at all. Why can't I see it for myself?!?!?! :0)


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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
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    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
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    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
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